Contents

The Savannah Tribune was founded in 1875 and went through two hiatuses (from 1878 to 1886 and from 1960 to 1973).[1] Originally named the Colored Tribune, the paper was established by Louis B. Toomer, Sr., Louis M. Pleasant, and Savannah native John H. Deveaux who served as the first editor.[1][2] The first edition was published in 1875. The name was changed to the Savannah Tribune in 1876.[1]

The newspaper published until 1878, when the all-white printers in the city, refused to produce it.[1] It reopened in 1886.[1] Deveaux served as the paper's owner and editor until 1889.[1] Solomon "Sol" C. Johnson was appointed as the paper's editor and purchased the paper in 1909 upon Deveaux's death.[1] Johnson ran the paper until 1954, when he was succeeded by Willa Johnson, who edited the paper until it closed in 1960.[1]

Robert E. James, a Savannah banker, reestablished the paper in 1973 and served as the owner and publisher until 1983.[1] In that year, Shirley B. James became the publisher and owner.[1]